#Resiliencechat Good evening all. @ResiliencyGuy is here to moderate tonight's #resiliencechat Hoping that you are all in a good, safe place, and that you are focusing on your personal #resilience tonight. We must work to take care of ourselves, in order to take care of others.
What's awful is that no one at that store apologized to him. But at least some employees did come to his assistance. They let they guy go who did this. #resiliencechat
#Resiliencechat
Q1: When you consider the situation of last week in Florida, what is your first reaction to the impact on the students, community, parents? How did this impact you?
A1) As a parent, I’m angry; we’re all at risk and this is preventable. (As a Connecticut parent, Sandy Hook never stopped hurting.) I thought of brave teachers who should be able to just focus on their jobs and not their and their students’ lives. #resiliencechat
#Resiliencechat
Q1: When you consider the situation of last week in Florida, what is your first reaction to the impact on the students, community, parents? How did this impact you?
A1 Can't swear to it right now, but I seem to recall that there was a bomb scare at Kid Q's high school shortly after Trump was inaugurated. Nothing happened, but I remember when they called and how it freaked me out. #resiliencechat
A1. I made myself watch the video inside the school. I listened to Emma's speech. I listened to what these kids had to say. "We can do better" feels cliche to me. But I'm listening to these kids and we need to change the status quo. #resiliencechat
#Resiliencechat
Q1: When you consider the situation of last week in Florida, what is your first reaction to the impact on the students, community, parents? How did this impact you?
Hi, @ResiliencyGuy! With your first question, it looks like tonight's #ResilienceChat might be picking up some of the same themes as the #isedchat I'll be moderating on Thursday night.
#Resiliencechat I think the #ANGER word is now ever present when I contemplate the impact of the loss of on students and their communities. I have had it up to here with more #prayers being intended as a means to solving this problem!
A1. I try to imagine what it would be like if it was my daughter who had been shot. I try to think about how I would feel. I'd be beyond furious. I'd be devastated. I'd be vengeful. I'm grateful for those teachers who love our kids enough to protect them. #Resiliencechat
#Resiliencechat
Q1: When you consider the situation of last week in Florida, what is your first reaction to the impact on the students, community, parents? How did this impact you?
A1 I felt devastated for people whose lives were changed forever. I've entered a fragile-angry state that is driving me to do something and keep doing somethings. Also, I'm now a @sandyhook Promise Leader.
#ResilienceChat
#Resiliencechat Q2 Could this finally be the time, when, as a society, our children and young adults are truly #empowered to create a dramatic change in the world? They are taking action, and shouldn't we reinforce their #empowerment? I am just so angry about these losses!
And with deflections. I have the barest shred of patience for "Let's first enforce the laws we have" and that sort of - to use Emma's catch word from her speech - BS
#ResilienceChat
Thanks @bivey I just followed them! Yes, I think many more people are done with being complacent with no change, and many are taking action! #resiliencechat
I think about all of that, all the time. Please let’s stop putting this on schools—sure, I expect schools to be safe for my children. But this is a political problem, not a school one. #resiliencechat
A1: My first thought was how do we stop this from happening? Enough. Kids need a safe place and sometimes school is the only safe place... And now... Not even there. #Resiliencechat
It's a multifaceted problem to me. School are vulnerable. Laws are weak. Society if filled with violence. Media is filled with violence. Guns are readily accessible. Smartphones are leading to higher levels of depression and suicide. It's a confluence of issues. #Resiliencechat
A2) I hope every time that it’s THE time. There’s that famous tweet after Sandy Hook, that once we tolerated the death of children it was over. 🙁
This time, the kids speaking up does feel different. I hope. #resiliencechat
#Resiliencechat Q2 Could this finally be the time, when, as a society, our children and young adults are truly #empowered to create a dramatic change in the world? They are taking action, and shouldn't we reinforce their #empowerment? I am just so angry about these losses!
#Resiliencechat For years, I have worried that children who have been in need have slipped through my fingers, and have committed injury to others, and yet, Q3: How can we, as a society continue to allow fragile children to gain access to weapons of mass destruction?
A2. We should absolutely empower our kids to act. Will that make the change now? I don't know. But I know by the time that generation is in power, if it's not done already, it will be. #Resiliencechat
A1 The reason I don't worry in the long run about the children is that they are resilient. I think also about immigrants who left very bad situations. I think about Holocaust survivors. #resiliencechat
A2 I think we either have reached a tipping point or are much closer to one. Sandy Hook moved us along but not quite all the way. Largely because of the kids' voices, Parkland is affecting people more deeply than ever. But adults *have* to step up, w/o co-opting.
#ResilienceChat
A2 I essentially wrote on this topic yesterday, at
https://t.co/uYcMgxmLM4
If you do read it, be sure and click the link to read our student's piece. So proud of her.
#ResilienceChat
A3: I don't know. Being a Canadian has its advantages in this conversation. I watch with sadness, destroyed that this continues in the US, and with hope that one day, the real changes will happen. #Resiliencechat
Q3. I think it's important to recognize these "guns" for what they are: weapons of mass destruction. They aren't muskets or bayonets. These are weapons that I'm not sure the founding fathers ever imagined. A reevaluation of our national values is in order. #Resiliencechat
#Resiliencechat For years, I have worried that children who have been in need have slipped through my fingers, and have committed injury to others, and yet, Q3: How can we, as a society continue to allow fragile children to gain access to weapons of mass destruction?
A3: We cannot. And as I've said multiple times on Twitter over the past few days, increasing the age to 21 is nonsense. Brains are not developed until 25+ so they should not have weapons of mass destruction. #resiliencechat
I'm not advocating for one solution over another here. I'm more trying to advance the idea that we're not dealing with just gun rights, or just mental health, or school safety, or anything else individually. The systemic influences are worth noting, though. #Resiliencechat
A2: I hope so. These children are the most articulate, poised, and passionate students who are hell-bent on making a change. Standing right with them as we all are. #resiliencechat
Gonna share this video tonight even though it's not really on topic except in the general sense of being a survivor.
https://t.co/okgGqxUsqD#resiliencechat
Yes, the power of #resilience is strong, and the success of children will always come through, and yet, it is time for our communities to truly take action to stop these crazy and controllable actions from recurring! #resiliencechat
A3 As a pacifist, and with that "anger" thing boiling inside, I find myself wanting to say "How the @#$% can we as a society continue to allow *anyone* to have weapons of mass destruction?" I mean really. #ResilienceChat
Yes. (And to be clear my plea was to the world, not a response to what you said.) Schools and communities can and should address school safety and issues with our kids. But not politicians who are neglecting other policy over which they have control. #resiliencechat
Yes, and the strength of our resolve to assist them with staying in the forefront of the news media, and the change in our government is our collective task! #resiliencechat
I've conducted 10-day Facebook discussions on the 3rd & 5th anniversaries of Sandy Hook. We came up w/so many causes requiring so many solutions. But that said, I think w/o stricter gun regulations, other solutions won't matter as much even if we can achieve them.
#ResilienceChat
A2 I think we either have reached a tipping point or are much closer to one. Sandy Hook moved us along but not quite all the way. Largely because of the kids' voices, Parkland is affecting people more deeply than ever. But adults *have* to step up, w/o co-opting.
#ResilienceChat
Thank you for sharing this @bivey Such an important time for all adults to listen, really listen, to our children! We work to build a world for them, and so frequently, we don't listen! It is time to listen, to act, to support them, to be the adults then deserve! #resiliencechat
A2 I essentially wrote on this topic yesterday, at
https://t.co/uYcMgxmLM4
If you do read it, be sure and click the link to read our student's piece. So proud of her.
#ResilienceChat
I agree. For once I feel like we're near the fulcrum on this issue. When our children are starting to exercise their voices so forcefully because adults aren't acting, it sends a very powerful message that something must be done. #Resiliencechat
Ben, I am in alignment with your thinking. So many areas of concern, and so many areas of potential improvement. We, as a society, must not be blind to the need to make better decisions for the collective safety of all of our children! #resiliencechat
I'm not advocating for one solution over another here. I'm more trying to advance the idea that we're not dealing with just gun rights, or just mental health, or school safety, or anything else individually. The systemic influences are worth noting, though. #Resiliencechat
This is Anthony Borges, 15. He used his body to hold a classroom door shut, protecting 20 other students inside as the gunman fired through the door, hitting him five times. Let's pray for his speedy recovery. 🙏🏾
#MarchForOurLives
I've conducted 10-day Facebook discussions on the 3rd & 5th anniversaries of Sandy Hook. We came up w/so many causes requiring so many solutions. But that said, I think w/o stricter gun regulations, other solutions won't matter as much even if we can achieve them.
#ResilienceChat
Q3 #Resiliencechat As we reflect on the #empowerment actions of these hurt children, I find myself being #proud of each of them for standing up, speaking out, planning to take action. How might we seek to support them in their efforts, while working to ensure that action occurs?
Look at the difference between Columbine and Parkland. With these teenagers standing up and having their rally, we've already come a long way. #resiliencechat
A1 sad tragedy that could have been avoided in so many ways. Mental health is a real illness that can’t be overlooked. As a school leader my job is to get kids the right intervention so that they don’t go down the wrong path, makes me want to work that much harder #Resiliencechat
That part where she divided up the $30M in NRA contributions to Trump, to suggest what each lost life to a shooting was worth to the NRA, and pointing out how that worth becomes lower and lower with each shooting... that itself was unforgettable. #resiliencechat
Q3. I think all those that empowered Emma to give her speech, to help her with her platform are a great example of what to do. Help these young adults to a platform where they can be heard. Don't just listen. Listen and empower. #Resiliencechat
Q3 #Resiliencechat As we reflect on the #empowerment actions of these hurt children, I find myself being #proud of each of them for standing up, speaking out, planning to take action. How might we seek to support them in their efforts, while working to ensure that action occurs?
Q3 #Resiliencechat As we reflect on the #empowerment actions of these hurt children, I find myself being #proud of each of them for standing up, speaking out, planning to take action. How might we seek to support them in their efforts, while working to ensure that action occurs?
Agreed. $5800 just now, and that's no where near what a life is worth, not that I could put a dollar value on it. It was devastating to see such a number assigned to children's lives. #Resiliencechat
That part where she divided up the $30M in NRA contributions to Trump, to suggest what each lost life to a shooting was worth to the NRA, and pointing out how that worth becomes lower and lower with each shooting... that itself was unforgettable. #resiliencechat
A3 I think the key lies in listening to them first. What do they know, where are they going, how do they plan to get there? We can use our adult privilege and/or experience as activists to offer support and advice but not to override.
#ResilienceChat
She also gives credit to her teachers albeit indirectly. Essentially the value of education and being a member of an educated public is what stands out. #resiliencechat
Phenomenal piece. It started as an all-school email and has gone on to be, and by far, our most-read blog post ever. I meet w/her Wednesday evening to hear her ideas on actions to take and offer support as she may need it.
#resiliencechat
She did several times. She was a real advocate for the value of education and credited her teachers with why she was able to articulate her arguments. #Resiliencechat
#resiliencechat@bivey I would also say that we must seek 2 support their right to speak, their interest, their developing world, and that we must seek to advocate for them, especially against the "old guard" So many will want to shut them up, look to the past, protect status quo
I’ll be writing my Congress person on a political level and on a local/site level I will encourage our students/clubs to take the time to have a conversation about ways that they can act responsibly and locally in solidarity with other those who were affected. #Resiliencechat
Tidbit: Back in the late '80s, my BFF and I took a bus to DC to protest the BRR (Bush, Reagan, Roberts) Court in regards to #WomensRights#resiliencechat
A3) Acting like the adults they remind us we are, and effecting the change we all seek—by allowing ourselves to be as loud as those kids who are resisting. #resiliencechat
Q3 #Resiliencechat As we reflect on the #empowerment actions of these hurt children, I find myself being #proud of each of them for standing up, speaking out, planning to take action. How might we seek to support them in their efforts, while working to ensure that action occurs?
Tidbit continued: The difference between what happened then and now is a) social media allows for "sister" marches to happen and b) we are not as complacent. #resiliencechat
Q4 #Resiliencechat The issue of students in need is grand! How do we work to ensure that each of our children are receiving what they need, to feel safe, secure, and know that there are better options to resorting to violence, destruction? #Thisishard!
Earlier today, the wonderful @sbthistle expressed a similar concern, having had mobs of the "old guard" as you say go after her. I'm following kids in an attempt to help be online support if needed.
#resiliencechat
I am proud of the educators that stand up for the lives of children to protect them, to nuture them, to uplift them, to support them in this time of tragedy... #Resiliencechat
I think there are many students our there who need this type of real guidance, mentoring, and support to find their voice. So many children want and deserve a safer, better, place to live and grow. What more important task do we have? #resiliencechat
Yup! My student who wrote our blog has already organized a letter-writing campaign after the Las Vegas tragedy, so she'll be on this. I think the marches and walkouts have a chance to make a statement, too.
#resiliencechat
Social media has been blamed for contributing to a bullying culture, but the powerful POSITIVE political impact of social media can’t be ignored. #resiliencechat
Tidbit continued: The difference between what happened then and now is a) social media allows for "sister" marches to happen and b) we are not as complacent. #resiliencechat
A4: Be there. Be aware. Stay vigilant. Listen. Advocate. Love them. Support them. And if they're afraid, give them your time and flexibility no matter what. #resiliencechat
Q5 #Resiliencechat As educators, we look to contain, to make everyone feel safe, and yet, as people, who are facing such horrible circumstances, don't we owe it to ourselves to be people first, and seek to secure every other person among us? How do we do this and stay sane?
Ironically it took this present occupant of the White House to wake us up. This is for real. We must never be complacent again. Not ever. Can never assume our liberties will not be taken away. #resiliencechat .
A4 We do a lot of work with our middle school kids on navigating friendship and handling conflict. Our kids tend to tell us we have a *lot* less bullying and girl drama than what they're used to. Can/must always improve, though.
#resiliencechat
I am proud of the educators that stand up for the lives of children to protect them, to nuture them, to uplift them, to support them in this time of tragedy... #Resiliencechat
A4 Community in schools model with partnerships and true wrap around services is 1 way that we can act on a site level to make this happen. Advisory classes also help to assure the students have a trusted adult to connect to who has built a relationship with them. #Resiliencechat
We need to fill each auditorium, and let each of them know that there are multitudes of adults who want to listen, and take action for them! I think we need to combat the view that we all just want to send #thoughtsandprayers and that many want real change! #resiliencechat
A5. As for the teachers I've met and the one I'm married to, I would argue what they try to accomplish as teachers is who they are as people. I feel like most teachers I've met are the most like themselves when they are teaching. #Resiliencechat
Q5 #Resiliencechat As educators, we look to contain, to make everyone feel safe, and yet, as people, who are facing such horrible circumstances, don't we owe it to ourselves to be people first, and seek to secure every other person among us? How do we do this and stay sane?
Yes. And some of that is devastating. But I was bullied many years before social media. And felt very alone. Suicidal at 11 and so on. And like anything social media can be used for good as well as for evil. #resiliencechat
Q4 #Resiliencechat The issue of students in need is grand! How do we work to ensure that each of our children are receiving what they need, to feel safe, secure, and know that there are better options to resorting to violence, destruction? #Thisishard!
Yes, Deb, trauma, and reactions to our local community are real! So glad that you are a #survivor on many levels, and that you now seek to support and educate so many! #resiliencechat
A5 Normally, I'd say acknowledge what we can and can't control. But right now, I'm still too angry and raw and feel the urgency too strongly to settle for that, irrational as that might be. #ResilienceChat
Q5 Yes. We stay safe by acknowledging each other's humanity. We stay safe by having safe havens for everyone. We do this in such a way that no one feels like an outcast and we mentor people. #resiliencechat
I do wonder if each #advisory teacher truly considers that potential impact that they can have in these classes. I do hope that their is a conscious effort to connect with each child. #resiliencechat
A5: when leaders overlook self care, they short change their ability to advocate and support others. A moment to compose critical to being ready to show compassion and support #Resiliencechat
A5) There’s a reason flight attendants remind us to put on our oxygen masks first before assisting others, including children. Kids can feed off our strength and sense of control. #resiliencechat
Q5 #Resiliencechat As educators, we look to contain, to make everyone feel safe, and yet, as people, who are facing such horrible circumstances, don't we owe it to ourselves to be people first, and seek to secure every other person among us? How do we do this and stay sane?
And more to the point, Rob, I seek to show people love and compassion. I am realistic about that. I don't, for instance, want to share a house with addicts. But that doesn't mean I withhold compassion. #resiliencechat
A5 Mindfulness, faith, and understanding for our staff and for ourselves is paramount. We can’t help anyone if we help ourselves. You health (mental/physical) is your wealth and you way to prosper in this endeavor. This profession is a calling. #Resiliencechat
I think the #advisory teachers in my school consider it and make that conscious effort. Sometimes, though, we have to recognize a stronger connection may be elsewhere. As long as they *are* connected...
#resiliencechat
